The high pavement probably originated in the Middle Ages as an elevated causeway along a natural terrace overlooking the junction of the turnpike road and lane to Newton. In 1786 a single building, possibly a dwelling, is shown on the site of the present Full Moon public house. However, this plot of ground appears to have been redeveloped in the early 19th century, probably at about the time the Sunday School was built in 1816, and by the 1830s the whole frontage had been completely filled in with new dwellings. Some of these became shops, including a small grocer/confectioners and the Full Moon itself (originally a grocer’s shop in the late 1860s) which became a public house in about 1872. Steps with rails leading up from the road onto the pavement, outside the entrance, were installed by the 1880s. It was about this time that the whole rank acquired the title of ‘Church Buildings’. After WWII the house adjoining the School had become derelict and was demolished in the 1960s, and in the 1980s the pavement in front of this gap was removed to provide access for a car park at the rear of the Full Moon. The steps outside the public house were also removed in the 1960s as a traffic hazard, and railings installed along the raised path for pedestrian safety. However, the pitched paving between the front door of the Full Moon and the site of the steps still remain, and the pitching in the pathway (once known as ‘Monk’s Walk’) in front of the Church Rooms appears to still exist under the asphalt. The ramp and steps next to the churchyard were added when the Rooms were refurbished in the 1990s.

The old Sunday School soon after the churchyard was extended up to the present wall and entrance (visible right), and the old archway became redundant. Note the building to the left of the School, removed in the 1960s.

The Full Moon, and beyond, How Hill, Eleanor Cottage and Eleanor Place. Note the steps from the road up to the Full Moon. Just visible on the right are the steps up to Clyde Buildings, and in the distance, the lower mill.

Your Name:

Comment:

Enter the code you see in the image above (case sensitive). Click on the image to refresh it.